Only a few days after men in blues salvaged India'slost pride in cricket by winning T20 World Cup in Johannesburg, KISS India Rugby Team has given the people of this country another reason to rejoice. On September 29, 2007, ?Jungle Crows?, as they are popularly called, outplayed South Africa 19-05 in London to win the Under 14 Rugby International Cup.
As the news of their friends? world conquering performance came on the auspicious evening of September 29, 2007, 5000 Vanvasi students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), a sister concern of KIIT Deemed University, broke into frenetic celebration. The Jungle Crows, the name of the KISS team, had started off as underdogs in the tournament, playing a foreign sport on a foreign turf. But what they possessed in plenty was a passion to win for India. And they stunned Zambia, Swaziland, Kenya and Romania to top the Group B and set up a tough title clash with South Africa. South Africa, which had topped the Group A beating Cambodia, Rwanda, Moldova and Kazakhstan, proved no match to the KISS India Team.
Elated at the unexpected and outstanding performance of KISS India Team, Founder Secretary of KIIT & KISS, Dr. A. Samanta said that the win is the result of prayers of the students of KISS and well-wishers of the young Indian team. It is a matter of great pride for KISS, the Vanvasi community, the state and the country, he said. He conveyed his gratitude to the well-wishers, central and state governments and all those who helped the team in its mission.
Members of the squad are Bikash Chandra Murmu (Captain), Chittaranjan Murmu, Babula Malka, Rajkishore Murmu, Bukei Hansda, Niranjan Biswal, Hadidhangda Majhi, Sahadev Majhi, Gorang Jamuda, Narasingh Kerei, Barial Behera and Ganesh Hembram. They belong to Kolho, Bonda, Bathudi, Santhal and Kandha tribes. Shri R.K. Nayak and Shri U.K. Mohanty, Chairman of Orissa Rugby Association, were coaching the team.
A grand reception in Kolkata
Heroes of Junior Rugby International Cup from KISS were given a warm welcome at Kolkata. After their arrival from London on October 1, 2007, the team was escorted with high security from the airport. A special programme for the team was organised at Kolkata, where senior officials of the West Bengal government, officials of KISS and KIIT and sportspersons, felicitated the young stars. They shared their experiences of the tour with the media at a press conference. ?Our boys triumphed because of their passion to win for India, and they have made KIIT, Orissa and the whole country proud?, said Dr. A. Samanta, Founder Secretary, KISS & KIIT and Chancellor, KIIT University, at the press meet.
Orissa Governor and Chief Minister felicitate KISS rugby stars
The KISS India Rugby Team, winners of Under 14 Rugby World Cup in London, was given a rousing welcome upon their arrival in state capital Bhubaneswar. Twelve members of the team, comprising of the Vanvasi students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, accompanied by their coach Shri R. K. Nayak was received by senior officials of KIIT and KISS and hundreds of sports enthusiasts at Biju Patnaik airport, Bhubaneswar.
The young stars were escorted to the Chief Minister'sresidence where they were given a warm welcome. Congratulating the KISS India Team for their resounding success, Chief Minister of Orissa, Shri Naveen Patnaik wished them all the best in their future fixtures. A felicitation ceremony was also organised at the Governor House. Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, His Excellency the Governor of Orissa, Shri. M. C. Bhandare termed the success as unprecedented and said that international cup winning feat of the young boys bring out the real talent of tribal.
The team, which is popularly called Jungle Crows, proved that they are in fact tigers, he said, adding that not only KIIT, but also the state and the country are proud of them.
?Our boys have brought laurels and glory to the country,? said Dr. A. Samanta, adding that with a little support tribal can achieve miracle. He attributed the success to hard work, team effort and blessings of God. Dr. Samanta, who is the inspiration behind this success, thanked the coach, trainers and other well-wishers who supported the KISS India Team.
The KISS Under 14 Rugby Team have been invited to play a series of friendly matches in South Africa later this year. They will also participate in the Asian Game and International Rugby Tournament.
